How to Use QR Codes to Connect to WiFi and the Internet
Spelling out that long, complicated WiFi password over and over is such a hassle. Typing the unique code full of random letters, numbers, and symbols can be frustrating and time-consuming.
That’s where QR codes come in to save the day.
Here’s the cool thing: It connects people to your WiFi network in just a split second, without them manually typing in the password. Just a quick scan and you’re good to go. No typing, no mistakes, no frustration.
In this article, we’ll provide a simple, quick guide about QR codes for WiFi and the internet. You’ll learn how to make your own WiFi network QR code, how to use it, and more.
Table of Contents
- What is a WiFi QR code and how does it work?
- How to create a QR code for WiFi and Internet access: A quick guide
- How to use the QR code to connect to WiFi and Internet
- Where to display your WiFi QR code
- How can a WiFi QR code benefit businesses
- What are the best practices for customizing WiFi QR codes?
- Recommended QR Code Generator for WiFi and Internet: QR TIGER
- Frequently asked questions
What is a WiFi QR code and how does it work?
A WiFi QR code is a quick and easy way to let people join your WiFi without typing anything.
Instead of giving them your network name and password, they can just scan the code with their smartphone, and they can connect to the internet right away.
Here’s what’s inside on a QR code WiFi:
- SSID: This is just the name of your WiFi network. It’s the one that shows up in the list when you try to connect.
- Password: The secret code people usually need to type in to join a network.
- Encryption: The type of security your WiFi uses, like WPA, WPA2, or WPA3. It’s what keeps your network safe.
So, when someone scans the QR code, their device reads these details automatically and connects instantly to the internet.
In short, it saves time and cuts the hassle of spelling out or typing long passwords. Just scan, and you’re online.
Devices that can scan a QR code for WiFi:
- iPhones and iPads: If they’re running iOS 11 or newer, they can scan it right away with the camera.
- Android phones: Most modern Android phones can do it straight from the camera. Older models may need a WiFi QR code scanner app.
- Other devices: Some tablets and laptops can connect using the camera or QR readers.
📌 This may help: How to Scan a QR Code Online Without an App
How to create a QR code for WiFi and Internet access: A quick guide
To generate QR code WiFi for free:
- Go to a free WiFi QR code generator online
- Enter your WiFi details: encryption type, SSID, and password.
- Click Generate QR code
- Style your QR code and try to scan it to see if it works.
- Once it’s all good, download and share WiFi with QR code.
▶️ Watch this step-by-step video tutorial to generate QR code for WiFi network or turn your WiFi password to QR code:
How to use the QR code to connect to WiFi and Internet
On Android phones
- Open the Camera or WiFi QR code scanner app
- Point it at the QR code
- Tap the pop-up that says “Join WiFi network”
🔧 If nothing shows up, go to Settings > Network & Internet > WiFi. Look for a QR code icon or an option that says “Add network via QR code.”
📌 This may also help: How to Scan QR Codes With an Android Phone
On iPhone (iOS)
Here’s how to scan a WiFi QR code on iPhone:
- Open the Camera app.
- Point it at the QR code.
- Tap the popup message with “Join ‘WiFi Network Name’”
🔧 If this doesn’t work, go to Camera settings and toggle Scan QR codes to enable the feature. Go back to the Camera app and try to scan the code again.
📌 This may also help: How to Scan QR Code on iPhone: A Detailed Guide
On Mac (macOS)
Macs don’t scan WiFi QR codes directly. You can try this instead:
- Use your iPhone to scan and connect. If your iPhone and Mac use the same Apple ID with iCloud Keychain turned on, your Mac may pick up the WiFi details automatically.
🔧 If unsuccessful, just type the WiFi name and password into System Settings > Network > WiFi.
📌 This may also help: How to Scan a QR Code on Mac
On Windows PC
Windows doesn’t scan WiFi QR codes on its own, so here are two workarounds:
Option 1: Use your phone first
- Scan the QR code on your phone
- Share the password with your PC and connect manually.
Option 2: Use an online QR scanner
- Go to QR TIGER and click “upload an image to extract the URL.”
- Or download a QR scanner for Windows. Scan the code, and it will show you the WiFi name and password. Enter those in Settings > WiFi.
📌 This may also help: How to Scan a QR Code on Laptop Screens
Where to display your WiFi QR code
The best spot to place it depends on who’s going to use it. Here are the strategic places to share WiFi with QR code:
At home
Stick it somewhere guests won’t miss, like on the fridge, near the front door, or in the living room.
That way, friends and family can connect right away without asking you for the WiFi password every time.
Cafés and Restaurants
Customers usually want to get online while they wait for their food or drinks.
In fact, Devicescape’s report says that 62 percent of business owners say that customers have spent more time at their establishments since they began offering free WiFi access.
Put your scannable WiFi code on menus, table tents, counters, or even by the entrance so they can scan it instantly.
Hotels
Did you know that 49 percent of business travelers consider free WiFi a deciding factor in their hotel choice?
Guests expect easy access to WiFi. Place the code in high-traffic spots like the lobby, reception desk, or even inside elevators.
It works well on bedside tables, desks, or next to the TV in their rooms, so guests never have to call the front desk and ask for the password.
Offices
Make it simple for employees to connect to the company’s WiFi network.
Meeting rooms, reception areas, and break rooms are the perfect spots to display your QR code so everyone can connect without delays.
Metro and transpo stations
Commuters often rely on WiFi while they wait. Post the QR code in waiting areas, ticket counters, or near platforms so they can connect on the go.
Shopping centers and malls
Entrances, food courts, info desks, and common seating areas are perfect places. Easy WiFi access encourages people to stay longer and explore more.
Public areas
Libraries, parks, community halls, and event venues become more inviting when people can connect with just one scan.
How can a WiFi QR code benefit businesses
Why should businesses bother making one? Simply because it makes life easier for both them and their customers. Here’s the breakdown:
Cuts down on hassle
It saves you time and keeps things simple for your guests. One quick scan, and they’re connected.
Instead of spelling out your WiFi password every time someone asks, or scribbling it on scraps of paper that get lost, a WiFi password QR code does the work for you.
Secure WiFi Access
You no longer have to give away the actual password. Instead of writing it down on paper or posting it where anyone can see, they just scan the code and get connected right away.
Your guests will thank you for the smooth experience, and you will still have control over who can use your WiFi.
Better customer experience
Most people today expect quick and easy internet access wherever they go.
If your customers can get online in seconds without asking for help, they’ll feel more at ease, enjoy their stay, and maybe even stick around longer. It shows that you care about making things easier for them.
Brings people back
A good experience leaves an impression. Guests are more likely to return when they know they can count on easy WiFi at your place, whether at your café, shop, or hotel. Convenience builds loyalty.
Helps your business get noticed
When customers connect to your WiFi, they often browse, share photos, tag your location, or leave reviews.
That kind of activity spreads the word about your business without you having to spend on ads. In a way, your WiFi network QR code becomes a quiet marketing tool.
What are the best practices for customizing WiFi QR codes?
Here are the smart tips to make your QR for WiFi even better:
Match it with your brand
When designing your WiFi QR, don't leave it looking plain. Add your brand colors, logo, or a small frame around it so people know it’s from you.
A well-branded QR code blends into your menus, posters, or business cards instead of sticking out like a random black-and-white square.
Test it first before sharing
Before you print or post your QR code, scan it yourself on different devices. Scan QR WiFi using Android, iPhone, Windows, and Mac.
This makes sure it connects properly and avoids the awkward situation where customers can’t get online.
Print it in clear, high-quality
A blurry or tiny QR code won’t scan well. Make sure your QR code is sharp, clear, and big enough to scan from a reasonable distance.
For posters, place them where people can easily reach them with their phones eye level or tabletop height is better than near the floor.
Use the right color mix
Adding color can make your QR code stand out, but stick with high-contrast combinations. A dark code on a light background works best.
Avoid flipping it to light-on-dark, since some scanners may not read it correctly.
Add a frame with a clear call to action
At first glance, not everyone knows what a QR code is for. A frame with a little text like “Scan to connect” or “Free WiFi here” makes it clear and encourages people to use it.
Get the right size
If it’s too small, people will struggle to scan it. Too big, and it looks awkward.
For small prints, at least 2 x 2 cm works, but if you’re printing menus, posters, or wall signs, go a bit larger so it’s easy to scan without hassle.
Place it where it makes sense
Think about the spots where people actually need WiFi.
In cafés, put it on tables, menus, or at the counter. In hotels, add it in rooms, lobbies, or reception areas. In offices, meeting rooms, and common areas work best.
The goal is to make it handy and visible right when people need it.
Recommended QR Code Generator for WiFi and Internet: QR TIGER
Let’s just be honest. Typing out WiFi passwords is archaic. To think that passwords are often long, full of random characters or symbols, they’re easy to get wrong.
Now is the high time to turn your WiFi to QR code. It makes connecting to the internet easy. One scan, and you’re already joined the network in just seconds.
One of the best tools you can use to make this happen is QR TIGER. And here’s why it’s a great choice:
- Simple but powerful features
- QR TIGER’s WiFi QR code generator lets you store your WiFi name and password in the code. That way, anyone who scans it can hop on your network instantly. It’s quick, easy, and saves you from giving instructions whenever someone needs access.
- Customization that’s easy to use
- Most QR codes look the same—plain black-and-white squares. With QR TIGER, you can design yours to fit your style or brand. You can add your logo, pick any color, select shapes, edges, and patterns, and even include an icon or image.
- This way, your QR code for WiFi isn’t just functional. It also looks polished and professional. If you’re running a café, hotel, or office, this little detail blends your code into your branding.
- Safe, secure, and reliable
- QR TIGER is a trusted WiFi code QR generator. It is a highly rated software for QR codes in G2 and is recognized as the most innovative product on ProductHunt.
- When you generate a WiFi code, it will be in static type. It won’t expire, and it comes with unlimited scans. You can print it once, place it where people can see it, and forget about it. It just works, every single time.
- Share WiFi with QR code for free
- Here’s the best part: you can create a free WiFi QR code in QR TIGER. With static QR for WiFi, you’ll never run into limits on how many times they can be scanned.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a QR code for WiFi password sharing?
Yes, you definitely can. In fact, QR codes are actually the easiest way to share your WiFi password. You just have to generate a QR code with WiFi password in it. Once read by a WiFi password scanner or simply your Camera app, you can join the network and access the Internet.
Can I make a QR code for my WiFi password?
Yes, you can make your own QR code for your WiFi password using a WiFi code creator that turns your WiFi password to QR code. It’s easy to create one. Just have these details ready: network SSID, password, and encryption type when you create one.
How do I share my WiFi password with QR code?
Go to QR TIGER and select WiFi to share your WiFi password with a QR code. Enter your WiFi password, SSID, and encryption type. Generate QR code for WiFi password, customize it, and download to save and share.
How can I get a QR code for WiFi for free?
To get a QR code for your WiFi for free:
- Go to a free WiFi QR code creator
- Enter SSID or your WiFi network's name
- Enter WiFi password.
- Select the security protocol (WPA/WPA2/No encryption).
- Click "Generate QR code"
- Save the QR code as an image to print or share.
How do I find my QR code WiFi?
Go to the Settings app and click Wi-Fi or Network & Internet. Tap the information icon next to the network’s name. If you see the QR code icon, tap it. Or, tap "Show Network QR Code."
How to share a hotspot QR code on Android?
To share a hotspot QR code on Android, go to Settings > Portable hotspot > Turn on hotspot > Share QR code. Some Android devices take additional steps. You can go to Connections > Mobile Hotspot and Tethering > Mobile Hotspot > QR code to share the hotspot.
For iPhones, go to Settings > Wi-Fi > tap Edit at the right of the network name. Then, scroll down and tap on Share Network QR Code to generate and share it. For older iPhones, you might need to use a third-party app or a shortcut to create the code.
How to get WiFi password from QR code?
Use your camera app or a QR code WiFi scanner to scan it. It automatically reads the embedded details such as SSID, password, and encryption so your device can connect to the network instantly.
